Dermatology Blog

It’s the halfway mark of the summer! With the heat going on full rage in Houston, it’s no wonder people are stopping by the beach for some fun. After a dip in the salty ocean, a mouthful of barbeque and a gulp of cold lemonade is sure to refresh your body. However, it is very important to revitalize your skin as well. Here are some tips on how to take of your skin through the rest of summer.

Tip #1: Remember to drink lots of water. It’s important to keep your skin and body hydrated as you play out in the sun. Not only will it keep your body healthy and in function, water also helps to keep your skin moisturized.

Tip #2: SPF is a must. Always remember to regularly apply sunscreen. You should apply a generous amount on the skin to protect it from uv damage. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Your lips are also an important part of your body, so don’t forget to apply a good lip protector that will protect against sun damage and keep it from drying out.

Tip #3: Wearing a hat and sunglasses are recommended as well. Wear a cover-up or a sarong to protect your skin from the sun but also feel breezy at the beach. ​Tip #4: Keep in mind what food you are putting into your body! Certain foods are showing signs of having protective effects on the skin from sun rays. Try to add foods such as sunflower seeds, tomatoes, carrots, dark green vegetables, watermelons, red apples, almonds, or strawberries into your meal plan.

The more protection you can give to your skin, the more it will thank you. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule a visit with your Houston dermatologist and let them find the best solution for your issues. ​

We want to succeed in life and enjoy the moment. Why pause to worry about odor? Or sweat stains? Did you know a treatment now exists that can reduce or nearly eliminate armpit odor and smell? The best part of this is consults are complimentary. So if you are just curious, a simple call and visit will help get answers to all your questions.

From the release of Samsung S8 to korean boy band BTS entering the Billboard, Korea has been making its mark in the world. The latest thing they've brought to trend : face masks.

What is it exactly ?

In the skincare industry, there are 3 types of masks: clay based masks, peel masks, and sheet masks. Clay masks are formulated more for oily skin. They are applied on the face and left on until dry, drawing out the excess oils and dirt from the surface of the skin. It also helps to clear pores and comedones.

Peel masks are more gel-like in nature. They are generally used to help exfoliate the skin. Peel masks can also lessen wrinkles and smooth uneven texture. Like the clay masks, peel masks must be dry before peeling off.

Sheet masks are relatively a new product to the market. Popular in Asia, many women use this as part of their 10 step skincare routine. They are made of a thin cotton or fiber material, cut to fit the face with holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The masks are soaked in serums and skin treatments. It is more convenient way to introduce active ingredients and moisture curated specifically for a person’s skin type needs.

So what about Korean face masks? ​Facial sheet masks has been a big part of Asian beauty culture and its popularity isn’t fading anytime soon. They are very convenient to use. Each face mask is a pre-cut fabric soaked in serums and treatments; all you need to do is apply it onto the face for 20 mins and then take it off. Because each mask is formulated with different serums and treatments, you can tailor each mask to suit your needs. For example, if a person’s skin was feeling a little dull, she would wear a brightening facial mask. If she wanted to target her wrinkles, she would apply an anti-wrinkling mask. Each mask is pre-packaged in thin, sterile foil packets so it’s easy to take on the go.

Try out the trend and see if Korean masks are the new step in your skin routine. However, please keep in mind- it is always recommended to first go see a dermatologist. Schedule a visit with your Houston dermatologist and let them find the ideal solution for your issues.

Every week, dermatologists diagnose and counsel patients with newly acquired skin STDs. Often, people think of HIV when they think of STDs. However, far more common, more visibly notable, and not as preventable by condoms are skin STDs like:

-HPV warts-Herpes HSV-Mollluscum.

These skin STDs often cluster on the skin, in areas not protected by condoms (think upper thigh, hips, and lower stomach).

So, thigh-to-thigh contact, or stomach-to-stomach contact and voila, you have an STD.

Next Day Regrets? Nah!

Interestingly, our clinic sees many skin STDs but not many after-hook-up regrets. On the contrary, the most common questions we get are:

-I am not going to stop hooking up, I get blood STD testing always, but how could I have known about a skin STD? -Could I have seen or screened this on my partner? -Why didn't the condom protect me?-How do I avoid people with skin STDs?

"Patients want to get back into the scene, but they want to be more prepared for spontaneous moments. And skin STDs are hard to see, especially in the dark." says Dr. Rashid of Mosaic Dermatology Houston.

People could pull out flashlights and examine their partner before sex. Or.......

Bump Phones Before The Hump?

People wear condoms before they hump. Should they also bump phones before the hump? Can we have an app for that?

We need more apps for STD-free sexual encounters. It is not like we are going to stop the random hook ups. So, we need more ways to help minimize skin STD spread beyond what condoms can do.

What about an App that gives you an all clear? The bump before you hump app?

Hoping to Hook Up? How The Bump Before You Hump App Could Work?

-Go in to your dermatologist for a exam for skin and other STDs

-The doctor gives you an all clear on the Apps doctor-dashboard

-When you find a hook up, you bump phones, and if both partners are clear then both phones give a green screen indicating an all clear (i.e both sides have been screened and cleared by a dermatologist).

-Bump phones ->Apply condom-> And off you go.

-But use the bump carefully. The app only gives you the all clear once. Then you need another dermatologist screening. The idea is bump then hump (with a condom) to double your protection

-The App is free and ad based revenue is generated so more people use it.

Risks?

The downsides are many, but workable. Just to name a few:

-Like a condom - it is not 100%, it just improves your odds of safe sex.

-STD screening and testing can produce false negatives (so you think you have no STD but really do...just in early non-detectable stages that are still contagious).

-Software glitches can flag people negative wrongly or flag people positive wrongly. Hackers can have a ball with this kind of app.

-Human error can also occur. Doctors are not perfect.

-Time - STDs do not form instantly. So, you get the all clear from the doctor and new spots show up after the visit.

-Many sexually active people get blood STD screenings regularly, it will take time to educate people on the need for skin STD screenings as well.

What Next? Bump before the Hump.

Just like condoms, this could be part of a public education campaign. Use protection and bump phones before you hump.

Will it work? Is it a good idea? We do not know. We are just opening it up for discussion. This is definitely not medical advice nor should replace the advice of your doctor.

And Then......

Well, we do not know. We just thought if we shared this idea someone can run with it and help others. But we would love to hear feedback. And if you develop it, we would love a cut of the profits :)

Mosaic Dermatology Houston now has a midtown location open. The office is definitely swank. Check out the fountain! And the bathrooms are just as special. The office is right off 59 and Louisiana and near the Mix and the Match in midtown. So, if you want to get a quick work out, the 24 hour fitness is a block away.

Our services are now also expanded to include offerings by Dr. Aneja who specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology. So if you need a botox touch up, or want to discuss beautifying your skin, ask for Dr. Aneja today. Botox touch ups are very popular for the younger group who dont need hundreds of dollars invested in botox. A few units precisely placed can get dramatic results if you start early in life.

And, we do same day appointments. Bad acne cyst needing an injection? Got into some poison ivy over the weekend? Or have a mystery mole that just appeared and is acting up? Just give us a call and either doctor can work you into our schedule. We make sure to keep wait times at a minimum because our patients have very busy schedules. You can even schedule online without making a call.

If you reside in the Houston area and have been on social media any time in the past few months you may have seen this new beauty phenomenon that is taking the skin care world by storm. It seems there is no shortage of uses for this product, ranging from teeth whitening to skin cleansing, and even detoxing drinks, but how effective actually is it? What makes activated charcoal so ideal for these applications? Activated charcoal has millions of microscopic pores that have the ability to attract pollutants. When it is applied to your skin, it draws impurities from the depths of your pores and holds onto them so that when that when the mask is peeled away it takes the toxins with it. Is it harmful?The actual charcoal is natural and very light, making it unproblematic for your skin. However, in the DIY version of this mask, a main ingredient is glue. This is where health concerns do tend to emerge. As you can imagine, glue is not an ideal facial treatment due to it being a skin irritant and prone to cause various skin issues. Needless to say, this is not something that would be recommended for facial use. Tea tree oil is an additional ingredient that some choose to include that can also irritate the skin due to its extreme fragrance. Another aspect to consider, is that toxins are not the only substance being removed when the mask is peeled away. The outer layer of cells residing on the top layer of your skin are also extracted, resulting in an increased level of sensitivity. Many that use the product do mention how soft their skin feels after but this is because they have essentially ripped away the outer layer of their stratum corneum. Essential oils residing on your skin that protect and maintain it are also extracted, removing these barriers makes your skin very vulnerable to microorganisms. What can you do instead? The aftermath of this facial treatment isn’t exactly ideal for beauty gurus looking to improve their skin health, and you may be wondering what can those looking for some relief do? The obvious of course would be to practice healthy skin care regimes such as washing, exfoliating, and moisturizing morning and night and staying away from certain foods and drinks such as those containing large amounts of salts, sugars, and alcohol. Of course there are some in need of more help than those routines can offer. If this is the case for you, schedule a visit with your Houston dermatologist and let them find the best solution for your issues, your skin will thank you!​

Have you had chickenpox? If so, you have a high chance of also getting shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. The virus lies dormant in your body after you get chickenpox and resurfaces later in life if your immune system weakens and allows the virus to make another appearance. What happens if I get shingles?Shingles usually presents as a rash and can cause a stabbing pain. Headaches, sensitivity to light, itchiness, and flu-like symptoms can be linked to shingles. It can be constant or intermittent. A rash will then occur on one side of the body in a strip or small area and can last up to 30 days. The rash then turns into fluid-filled blisters. It may sound like a traumatizing experience but most people who get shingles will not get the disease again.How can I prevent it?Adults 60 and over should receive the shingles vaccine. Although shingles is not always preventable, risk for complications can be. By getting medical treatment as soon as possible, you can decrease your likelihood of developing complications. Some common ones are:

Bacterial infections that can cause weakness

Permanent scarring (in severe cases)

Long-term pain (1 in 5 people will develop this)

Vision impairment (if it is around the eye)

Scarring and skin discoloration

To avoid these complications or possibly spreading the disease to others, you want to take care of your skin when it is most vulnerable. Here are some tips:

Soak crusted sores with tap water to decrease oozing and help clean away crusts

Use a cool compress to help ease any discomfort

Avoid scratching or picking at blisters

If you think you may have an infection, ask your local Houston dermatologist about any creams or ointments that may help

The sooner you get treated by your doctor, the less likely you will develop any complications that could negatively affect your life and well-being. Schedule with your dermatologist if you think you may have shingles.​

Adult Acne

Many people seem to think acne is reserved for teenagers undergoing puberty, however almost half of the adult population from ages 20-40 are suffering from adult acne. Acne can even follow you into your 50s. Your skin may react differently to the products you used as a teenager, however the same preventive measures can still help you clear your skin and avoid future breakouts. Before we discuss how to control adult acne, let’s take a deeper look at what is going on under our skin.

What causes adult acne?The primary factor leading to adult acne is stress - something we can almost never escape as we mature. Acne in adulthood is more likely inflammatory, with fewer clogged pores but more breakouts around the chin, mouth, and jawline. Adult acne is often more difficult to treat because the skin has become sensitized. It can be caused by various factors including fluctuating hormones (mostly in women), pollution, dietary imbalances, overuse of skin products or simply using the wrong ones.

What are some things I can do to combat my adult acne?You can start by looking at your diet. Some small adjustments may just be the fix you need. Here are some pointers:

Reduce salt intake.

Eat/drink less dairy. Switch to a 1% milk or nondairy nut milks.

Cut down on refined carbs such as white bread and white rice

While modifying your diet can lead to improvements in your skin, there are also some ingredients you can look for in skin products that can help exaggerate positive changes. Some of these include:

Thank you for joining us today at Mosaic Clinic Dermatology. At Mosaic Clinic we want to make sure your skin is at its best. We have some tips for you in order to maintain clear skin.​Never pop your pimples. If an unpleasant scab or a possible scar isn’t enough reason for you to resist popping, here are several considerations to make before you do:

You can cause more inflammation

An infection may occur where you popped the pimple

Picking at a pimple can lead to discoloration caused by scarring

If you are still having trouble breaking the habit, it may be time to contact your local Houston dermatologist to seek professional help.For more information you can log onto www.mcdermatology.com or give us a call at 281-941-5556

We have all had the urge to pop our pimples, and even after the recommendation from our dermatologists to fight that urge, we still go on and squeeze the annoying zit that seems magnified on our face. Most of the time we figure it better to have a popped pimple rather than an inflamed red spot ruining the look of our skin. However, if an unpleasant scab or a possible scar isn’t enough reason for you to resist popping, here are several considerations to make before you do:

You can cause more inflammation - your skin will grow over the wound, trapping the bacteria inside the skin

An infection may occur where you popped the pimple - using your hands or an unsterilized tool to pop a pimple introduces more bacteria to an open wound

Picking at a pimple can lead to discoloration caused by scarring. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You can read more about PIH on our blog here.

How can I stop?Instead of picking and prodding at your blemishes, try some quick fixes that may help you get on the path to clearer skin. There are plenty of ways to finding a solution to the unconventional habit of popping or squeezing pimples. Here are some suggestions:

Keep your hands away from your face! Do not rest your face in your hands, and be mindful of where your hands drift to when you are working on something

Remind yourself to not pick at your skin - a good idea is to write on a few post-it notes and stick them on your mirror. That way, when you are looking at yourself and are tempted to pick at your skin you will see a reminder to avoid the damage you are about to cause

Use a medicated cream like our 10% benzoyl peroxide on your pimple. This will treat it by reducing its size and redness, and it will also be a reason for you to not touch the area.

Remember to always treat your skin with care. Pimples will not go away quicker if you layer on pounds of product or if you constantly pick at them. Do not try to dry your skin out, even if it is oily. If you are still having trouble breaking the habit, it may be time to contact your local Houston dermatologist to seek professional help. With Saturday appointments and multiple locations, there is no need to wait to start your journey to smooth, healthy skin.​

All information contained on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition. We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician, including our Houston Dermatologist. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician. Note you will not be seen without your identification or insurance card information in full. ​For any emergencies call 911. ​​ For privacy, hipaa, and accessibility please see our hipaa page.